Vick's Cousin Says No Dogfighting

State And Federal Officials Join Search Of Surry Property

SURRY — The commonwealth's attorney says the U.S. Department of Agriculture told him it was going to conduct a search.

The local investigation into dogfighting allegations at Michael Vick's Surry home took a federal turn Thursday afternoon, as state and federal officials searched the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's property.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in Richmond said she could neither confirm nor deny that there was an ongoing criminal investigation in Surry County on Thursday.

But Surry Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter said an official with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General called him to let him know they were going to conduct the search.

Poindexter met last month with officials from the USDA to review evidence, and said federal officials offered to assist with forensic evidence. But at the time, Poindexter said he had no plans to hand off the investigation.

A search warrant to look for dog carcasses buried at Vick's home was filed last month, but Poindexter held off its execution, saying he was concerned that it could be declared illegal.

The prosecutor said he questioned why federal authorities would get involved.

"Why is it that this is being undertaken by the U.S. Attorney's office?" Poindexter said.

"If it's based on any feeling that we're not moving quickly enough or with any efficacy, no one has contacted me or the sheriff."

The USDA has jurisdiction of some crimes involving animals and plants.

Poindexter has been under pressure to move faster on filing charges in the dogfighting case, which began when the house was searched in a drug investigation in April.

The arrest of Davon Boddie, Vick's cousin who lived in the house, prompted the search.

Boddie was arrested on drug charges. Vick does not live at the Surry house, and has denied any connection to dogfighting.

From the overturned clods of dirt visible on the ground around the outbuildings behind the main house, officials appeared to be digging for dog remains Thursday, according to WAVY-TV 10 helicopter video.

They also carried several boxes to and from the main part of the home.

Federal officials told Poindexter that they would work with him, and that he could continue his case.

But, he said, it was unlikely that he would re-search the property now.

"We've had six weeks of dealing with it, and that wasn't quick enough," he said. "Let's see how long it takes the feds. Let's see what they do.